The Horse & Jockey in Chorlton has been named the best pub in Greater Manchester at the National Pub & Bar Awards 2026, less than a year after reopening following a major refurbishment.
A Historic Pub Restored
The pub, located on Chorlton Green, has a history dating back to 1793 when it first became an inn and coach house, with the building itself believed to date as far back as 1512. Its black and white Tudor frontage, added in the early 1900s, makes it one of the most photographed buildings in Chorlton.
Neil Burke, co-owner of the pub along with executive chef Ben Chaplin, said the venue had always held a special place in his heart. However, he noticed it had lost some of its shine in recent years. "As a local myself, I felt Chorlton deserved a proper foodie pub - somewhere that delivers brilliant food in a setting that does justice to the building's history," he explained.
Award-Winning Transformation
Burke and Chaplin, who also run the award-winning Black Friar in Salford, took over the Horse & Jockey in October 2025. They undertook a major refurbishment, creating a cosy, stripped-back feel similar to their other venue. The menu was revamped to focus on local suppliers and fresh produce, featuring dishes such as battered haddock with triple-cooked chips, an 8oz Horseshoe gammon steak, wild mushroom and broad bean risotto, and classic pork schnitzel with a fried egg.
Sunday roasts offer choices of half-roast chicken, 35-day aged beef, roasted gammon, or mushroom and potato wellington, all served with roast potatoes, carrot and swede mash, greens, a Yorkshire pudding, and gravy.
Community Recognition
The National Pub & Bar Awards 2026 saw the Horse & Jockey named the best pub for Greater Manchester, while The Gunton Arms in Norfolk took the top UK title. Burke said, "We are incredibly proud to receive this award. It has been a true labour of love to restore this historic pub and bring it back to its full potential."
He added, "I've spent plenty of time here over the years and have seen first hand how important the pub is to the community. We work to take on venues that have been overlooked or left behind and breathe new life into them in a way that feels authentic to the people who use them every day."
Looking Ahead
The Horse & Jockey serves Joseph Holt's full range of bitters, ales, and lagers, all brewed in Manchester. Burke said, "This award is a huge testament to the hard work and passion our team has put into the pub over the past few months. Seeing the pub buzzing again and being embraced by the community has been the biggest reward of all."
As the pub heads into its first full summer of trading, the team is excited to build on the momentum and continue creating a pub that Chorlton can be proud of. The Horse & Jockey is located at 9 Chorlton Grn, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 9HS.
